A pair of Victorian novelty silver 'baby' salt and pepper shakers, Thomas Johnson, London, 1886
Lot Closed
November 12, 04:20 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
We may charge or debit your saved payment method subject to the terms set out in our Conditions of Business for Buyers.
Read more.Lot Details
Description
Realistically modelled as two seated babies, one crying and one laughing, the bases hinging open. Engraved on the undersides for the retailer Jones of St James' St., London and Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.
8cm, 3in. high
291gr., 9¼oz
Please note that this lot will not be on public view in our New Bond Street galleries, but we would be happy to arrange a viewing by appointment at our warehouse in Greenford. To enquire, please contact sinead.rampersad@sothebys.com.
The subject of laughing and crying babies has been a popular one for artists since the 18th century. The theme can be seen in pair of bronze busts by the French sculptor Louis François Roubiliac (1702-1762) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the 1871 International Exhibition in London featured a further pair of babies by Adolphe Itasse (1829-1893). In silver, the earliest examples may be a pair of condiment shakers hallmarked for London, 1880, with the maker's mark of Robert Hennell & Sons.
Thomas Jones started up as a perfumer in London in 1850. The company expanded quickly, opening a store in Paris in 1856 and branching out into other lines such as travelling bags, dressing cases, brushes, stationery and jewellery.
You May Also Like
